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RCMP cautious with details of Beardy’s sexual assault case

Apr 15, 2016 | 12:08 PM

People are calling for answers after news a Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation school employee was charged with multiple sexual offences. RCMP would like to remind the public of the sensitive nature of these crimes.

George Gamble, 23, formally of Chief Beardy Memorial Elementary School, was arrested on April 5 and faces three counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference and five counts of sexual exploitation.

People took to social media to express their frustration over not being informed sooner about the charges.

One person wrote on Facebook:

“I totally agree with ur stat…Trynna sweep it under the rug like nothing happened is bs…Something has to be done…And it shouldn’t be kept hush hush. Their (sic) is everyone’s children, nieces/nephews, grandchildren and lil cousins who r involved…Poor kids…It’s up to the adults to stand up and protect these innocent children…”

Another agreed and wrote “…IT IS OUR BUSINESS.”

Mandy Maier with the RCMP said cases like this are complicated so information is cautiously released.

“These investigations are very sensitive in nature and we need to consider everyone involved including the victims in this instance,”

Maier said it is uncommon for the RCMP to release specific details relating to sexual assault investigation.

“If the investigation calls for it, the public will know. In the past, there has been instances where we will speak to an investigation. We would provide more specific details relating to it,” Maier said.

Maier said the RCMP will not be identifying “any specific details regarding the victims’ numbers, age or sex,” in this case.

–With files from Nigel Maxwell

 

jkadzviti@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @julietkadzviti